Union Ministers flag-off new Jaisalmer–Delhi Swarn Nagari express

New Delhi: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday flagged off new Jaisalmer-Delhi express train service aiming to improve civilian access and support strategic mobility in the frontier region.

The train, flagged off from Jaisalmer by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, will operate as the Swarn Nagari Express.

The announcement comes amid the Centre's broader plan to strengthen transport links across Rajasthan's border districts, which have long faced limited rail options despite high military presence and growing tourism, an official statement said.

Addressing the event, Vaishnaw said the service would cater to both civilian passengers and the region's sizeable defence establishment.

Vaishnaw said projects worth Rs 55,000 crore are under implementation in Rajasthan.

Jaisalmer station, recently upgraded at Rs 140 crore, is among 85 stations being modernised in the state at a total cost of Rs 4,000 crore, he said.

"Railway development has gained unprecedented momentum under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's guidance. Rajasthan, before 2014, received only Rs 680 crore annually, today, the allocation is close to Rs 10,000 crore," Vaishnaw said.

Shekhawat, who also holds the Tourism portfolio, said the new daily link to the national capital would also benefit the local tourism economy, with Jaisalmer emerging as a major winter destination.

"Better connectivity directly impacts visitor footfall," he said, adding that industry stakeholders had long demanded an additional Delhi-bound service.

Local MPs, MLAs, defence personnel, BSF and Air Force members, schoolchildren and representatives of civil society attended the ceremony, the statement said.